Episode 491: Celebrating Listener Generosity, Donor Advised Funds, Learning Some Accumulation Ropes, Risk Parity ETFs, And Portfolio Reviews As Of March 6, 2026

In this episode we answer emails from Optimus Bill, Mark and Ryan.  We discuss donor advised fund sponsor Daffy and a strips fund portfolio substitution, the challenges of figuring out accumulation without getting caught up in chasing shiny objects and magic investing buttons, and discuss commercial risk parity funds and why they probably won't work for your goals.  Errata:  I said "Mark" when I meant "Michael"  Mauboussin.And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Links:Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASAFather McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna CenterCatching Up To FI Podcast with Daffy:  A Donor-Advised Fund For You (Daffy): Democratizing Philanthropy for Everyone | Adam Nash | 200White Coat Investor Article:  150 Investment Portfolio Examples | White Coat InvestorInfinite Loops Podcast with Jim O'Shaughnessy and Cliff Asness:  Surviving the Meme Stock Bubble | Cliff AsnessETF Slop Video:  The Rise of ETF SlopSample Portfolio Idea for Mark:  https://testfol.io/?s=flOaQQOXaH4Breathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:A community gift turns into a movement: we celebrate more than $13,000 raised for Fairfax CASA and announce a surprise $20,000 match, then open the books on how donor-advised funds make generosity simpler, cheaper, and more strategic. From flat-fee platforms to custom portfolios and social giving, we share how to build a micro-foundation that aligns your values with long-term impact.Then we zoom out to the decisions that actually move the needle. Forget the hunt for a magic fund—macro allocation drives results. For savers 20-plus years from retirement, we unpack a clean, high-conviction approach: 100% equities with a two-fund core that pairs large-cap growth with small-cap value for balanced offense. We explain why investors underperform their own holdings, how to avoid shiny-object drift, and the simple rules that keep compounding on track.Curious about adding more “oomph” without reckless leverage? We walk through using Treasury Strips like ZROZ to amplify bond duration and free space for equities or gold. We also answer a big question: do risk parity ETFs solve the problem? They exist, but most are built for elegant theory, not your actual goals—be it maximum accumulation or higher safe withdrawal rates. For families who want one-ticket simplicity, we highlight how long-standing workhorses like Vanguard Wellington or Wellesley can deliver steady spending without complex overlays or buckets.We close with a brisk market recap, why alternatives like managed futures can shine during turbulence, and the habit that consistently wins: do nothing when your plan is sound. Support the show